Washington: US President Donald Trump has once again raised the possibility of placing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz under US territorial control, as tensions surrounding the Iran conflict continue to affect the vital shipping route.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said he supported the idea of declaring the strait a US territory, arguing that American forces currently have significant control over the waterway.
“I like the idea of declaring the Strait of Hormuz a territory,” Trump said, adding that the United States had “total control” over the strategically important passage.
Trump’s remarks come as efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement with Iran remain stalled. A memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran was also due to expire on Monday, adding further uncertainty to the diplomatic situation.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, with a significant share of global oil supplies passing through the waterway. Any prolonged disruption could therefore have wider consequences for international energy markets and shipping.
Trump had raised a similar proposal on Friday while addressing a crowd in Long Island. At the time, he suggested that the strait, which accounted for roughly one-fifth of global oil flows at the beginning of the conflict, could be declared US territory.
The latest comments have drawn a sharp response from Iran. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected the idea, saying the Strait of Hormuz could not simply be taken over through statements, military power or political declarations.
Trump has previously made controversial suggestions involving territorial expansion, including remarks about Canada becoming the 51st US state and proposals concerning Greenland. However, his comments on territorial expansion have so far remained proposals rather than resulting in an actual change in US borders.
The renewed discussion over the Strait of Hormuz comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with the waterway remaining a key point of contention in the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
